44 million cars sold – a world record broken in 2018
Global growth of car sales continued in 2018
According to data of JATO in 57 markets worldwide, the global car sales continued to rise in the first half of 2018. It is noted that sales totaled 44 million units, which is 3.6% more compared with the same period last year. The positive results of the car coincided with the problems and uncertainty in the global economy, which is threatening a potential trade war between major economies.
As highlighted in the research company JATO, the greatest contribution to the growth of markets brought the United States, Europe, due to continued sales growth in the EU in the first place the continuous expansion of the Chinese economy that provide “fuel” for the expansion of the fleet of the country.
In the Top 10 of the most liquid markets including Russia, the tenth place out of ten.
In total, the Top 10 included:
1st place: China – 12.23 million units
2nd place: Europe – 9.77 million units
3rd place: USA – 8.62 million units
4th place: Latin America – 2.83 million units
5th place: Japan – 2.69 million units
6th place: the Asia-Pacific region – 2.28 million units
7th place: India – 1.98 million units
8th place: Canada – 1.04 million units
9th place: Korea – 884 thousand units
10th place: Russia – 850 thousand units
Despite the importance of the first three markets, the main sensation among all ten countries was India, now it is one of the key markets for the automotive industry, as confirmed by the sales growth in the first six months was very significant, reaching almost to the 2 million cars sold. India for the first time surpassed Germany in the number of cars sold.
The Indian market
Thus Indian market became the fourth largest in the world after China, USA and Japan. According to analysts, if growth continues at the same rate in 2021 sales in the country will exceed the sales figures in Japan.
Car sales in China
China maintained its position as the global leader with a 12.23 million units of cars sold. Positive dynamics was +3.9%. Despite the good performance of motorization in General (sales of sedans increased by 8%), MPV in spite of a 7% drawdown also sell very well, China is currently in limbo due to the outbreak of a trade war against the United States.
Sales of SUVs in the country amounted to 42% of the total volume of sold cars.
Sale in USA
Growth in the USA was more moderate, despite the fact that the economy has improved is higher than expected. A strong economy combined with low unemployment and tax cuts contributed to the growth of the automotive market, which took second place in the first half of this year.
The sales were increased due to the larger number of sold cars (+13%) and pickup trucks (+6%), which accounted for 60% of total sales.
The European market
Europe once again became the second largest market in the world with a 9.77 million sold cars and light commercial vehicles.
Here’s how he described the growth in JATO: “Good economic mood among consumers in most markets and greater choice has led to an increase in the number of purchases by 3% and become the highest first half result over the past ten years.”
Canada, Korea and Russia – the 3 major market in the Top 10, and only Russia and Korea are demonstrating positive sales results. In Canada, cars for sale less than a year earlier.
In addition, in a study of 57 world markets from JATO noted that the Volkswagen Group continues to be the top seller of automotive products from 5.45 million units. The increase amounted to 7% in the first half, significantly more than any of the closest competitors: 4% growth in Renault-Nissan (second place) and 2% for Toyota.
Following the strong results of the VW Group followed the great strides Hyundai-Kia (+8%) and Suzuki, who were able to record double-digit growth and reaffirmed their place in the top 10 largest automakers in the world.
However, there are outsiders. One of the largest manufacturers in China – Geely, despite the impressive growth of 35% and for the first time surpassing the mark of 1 million units (of 1.09 million cars) were behind the Top 10.
The biggest news of the first half was the increase of dominance of SUVs, which now account for almost 36% of passenger car sales. For the first six months of 2018 has sold nearly 15 million SUVs, which is 14% more than in the entire history of cars of this class, which is a record for this type of car. Sales of crossovers grew 10 of the 11 key regions.
“SUVs are very popular in the United States, China, Canada and Russia, but continues to lag behind other segments in Latin America, Japan and India. However, this is good news because it shows that SUVs continue to have growth potential in these key markets,” they say in the JATO. Compact cars have become the second most popular version of the car in all markets of the world.
Top 50 best-selling models of cars in the world in 2018
